The Soul

of Natural Philosophy

Having heard, Sire,
the great desire and affection that you have
always had to arrive at the perfection
and knowledge of natural philosophy In this context, "natural philosophy" refers to the study of nature and the physical universe, specifically the precursor to modern chemistry and physics.
so much sought after and cherished
by high and sublime spirits;
and regarding this, you have not yet found
anyone who has known how
to satisfy you, nor make you content
concerning the science and transmutatory art; The "transmutatory art" refers to alchemy, specifically the practice of attempting to change base metals into gold or silver. And this is
because there are few to be found
to whom God gives the
knowledge of such
nearly divine things; or else